LOS ANGELES, CA - The Directors Guild of America today announced the Guild's nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television and Commercials for the year 2009.

"Television directors play a crucial role in eliciting performance, advancing the story and establishing the look and feel in all genres of television," said DGA President Taylor Hackford. "The DGA Awards highlight the most outstanding examples of excellence in television each year, and our 41 nominees in eight categories have distinguished themselves with creative, compelling projects that entertained and informed a diverse worldwide audience. Congratulations to all of them."

The winners will be announced at the 62nd Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television/Mini-Series are:

BOB BALABAN
Georgia O'Keeffe(Lifetime)

Mr. Balaban's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Tony Mark

First Assistant Director: Kaaren Ochoa

Second Assistant Director: Susan Fiore

Second Second Assistant Director: Sarah Lemon

This is Mr. Balaban's second DGA Award Movies for Television/Mini-Series nomination. He was previously nominated in this category for Bernard and Doris in 2008.

THOMAS CARTER
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story(TNT)

Mr. Carter's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Skip Beaudine

First Assistant Director: Mark Anthony Little

Second Assistant Director: Danny Green

Second Second Assistant Director: Pamela Monroe

This is Mr. Carter's second DGA Award nomination. He previously won the Dramatic Series Night award for his Hill Street Blues episode "The Rise and Fall of Paul the Wall" in 1984.

JOHN KENT HARRISON
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler(CBS)

Mr. Harrison's Directorial Team:

First Assistant Director: Jeff S. Authors

This is Mr. Harrison's first DGA Award nomination.

ROSS KATZ
Taking Chance(HBO)

Mr. Katz's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Lori Keith Douglas

First Assistant Director: Robert C. Albertell

Second Assistant Director: Vanessa Hoffman

Assistant Unit Production Manager: Carla Raij

Second Second Assistant Director: Brendan Walsh

This is Mr. Katz's first DGA Award nomination.

MICHAEL SUCSY
Grey Gardens(HBO)

Mr. Sucsy's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: David Coatsworth

This is Mr. Sucsy's first DGA Award nomination.

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night are:

PARIS BARCLAYIn Treatment, "Gina: Week 4"
(HBO)

Mr. Barclay's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Alysse Bezahler

First Assistant Director: Richard Patrick

Second Assistant Director: Jane Ferguson

Second Second Assistant Director: Michael Espinosa

This is Mr. Barclay's tenth DGA Award nomination. In 2008, he was nominated in two categories; for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night for In Treatment ("Alex: Week Eight") as well as for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for Weeds ("The Three Coolers"). He was nominated in 2005 for House ("Three Stories") in 2002 for The West Wing ("Debate Camp"); in 2001 for The West Wing ("The Indians in the Lobby"); in 2000 for The West Wing ("The Portland Trip"); and in 1996 for ER ("Ask Me No Questions, I'll Tell You No Lies"). He won the DGA Award in 1998 for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night for NYPD Blue ("Heart and Souls"). This year, he is also nominated in the Comedy Series category for Glee ("Wheels").

JACK BENDER
Lost, "The Incident, Parts 1 & 2"(ABC)

Mr. Bender's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Mary Courtney

First Assistant Directors: Richard Peter Schroer, Richard E. Gershman

Second Assistant Directors: Carla Bowen, Wainani Young Tomich

Second Second Assistant Director: Norman Kali

This is Mr. Bender's third DGA Award Nomination and all in this category. He was previously nominated in this category for Lost ("Through the Looking Glass") in 2007, and for Lost ("The Constant") in 2008.

This is Ms. Linka Glatter's second DGA Award nomination. She was previously nominated in this same category for Twin Peaks ("Episode 32006") in 1990.

MATTHEW WEINER
Mad Men, "Shut The Door. Have A Seat."(AMC)

Mr. Weiner's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Dwayne Shattuck

First Assistant Director: Nina Jack

Second Assistant Director: Karen Radzikowski

Second Second Assistant Director: Marc Newland

This is Mr. Weiner's second DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category for Mad Men ("Meditations in an Emergency") in 2008.

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series are:

PARIS BARCLAYGlee, "Wheels"(FOX)

Mr. Barclay's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Kenneth Silverstein

First Assistant Director: Richard Denault

Second Assistant Director: Conte Matal

Second Second Assistant Directors: Leah King, Kathryn Tucker

DGA Trainee: Elizabeth Sayles

This is Mr. Barclay's tenth DGA Award nomination. In 2008, he was nominated in two categories; for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night for In Treatment ("Alex: Week Eight") as well as for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for Weeds ("The Three Coolers"). He was nominated in 2005 for House ("Three Stories"); in 2002 for The West Wing ("Debate Camp"); in 2001 for The West Wing ("The Indians in the Lobby"); in 2000 for The West Wing ("The Portland Trip"); and in 1996 for ER ("Ask Me No Questions, I'll Tell You No Lies"). He won the DGA Award in 1998 for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series Night for NYPD Blue ("Heart and Souls"). This year, he is also nominated in the Dramatic Series Night category for In Treatment ("Gina: Week 4").

LARRY CHARLESCurb Your Enthusiasm, "The Table Read"(HBO)

Mr. Charles' Directorial Team:

Associate Director: Dale Stern

Stage Managers: Jonathan Harris, Mark Hansson

This is Mr. Charles' third DGA Award nomination. He was nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series for Curb Your Enthusiasm ("The End") in 2005 and for Curb Your Enthusiasm ("The Nanny From Hell") in 2002.

This is Mr. Gallen's second DGA Award nomination. In 2001 he shared the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety for America: A Tribute to Heroes in 2001 (co-directed with Beth McCarthy-Miller).

This is Mr. Goodman's third DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in the Musical Variety category for ABC 2000 in 2000; and in the Sports category for co-directing The Indianapolis 500 in 1988. This year he is also the recipient of the DGA Lifetime Achievement in News Direction Award for 2010.

This is Mr. Horvitz's 15th DGA Award nomination, all in this category. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety in 1997 for The Kennedy Center Honors. He received his first nomination in 1985 for Live Aid Concert. He was also nominated for The Kennedy Center Honors in 1993 and 2001. He was nominated in 1995 for Sinatra: 80 Years My Way; and received DGA nominations for The 70th, 71st, 72nd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th 79th and 80th Annual Academy Awards.

DON ROY KINGSaturday Night Live, with host Justin Timberlake(NBC)

Mr. King's Directorial Team:

Associate Directors: Stefani Cohen, Bob Caminiti, Mark Jankeloff

Stage Managers: Gena Rositano, Chris Kelly

This is Mr. King's third DGA Award Nomination. He was previously nominated in this category for the Alec Baldwin episode of Saturday Night Live in 2006, and again for Saturday Night Live in 2008.

DON MISCHERWe Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial(HBO)

This is Mr. Mischer's 15th nomination. He has won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety nine times: in 1978, 1979 and 1980 for The Kennedy Center Honors; in 1982 for Shirley MacLaine - Illusions; in 1983 for Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever; in 1984 for Baryshnikov by Tharp with American Ballet Theatre (co-directed with Twyla Tharp); in 1985 for Motown Returns to the Apollo; in 1989 for Gregory Hines: Tap Dance in America; and in 1996 for Opening Ceremonies: Atlanta Olympic Games. He was also nominated in 1979 for The Third Barry Manilow Special; in 1980 for Goldie and Liza Together; in 1982 for The Kennedy Center Honors; in 1987 for Made in the USA with Mikhail Baryshnikov; and in 2001 for Barbra Streisand "Timeless" (co-directed with Barbra Streisand).

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs are:

This is Mr. van Munster's fifth DGA Award nomination in this category. He won the Outstanding Directorial Achievement Reality Programs Award for The Amazing Race ("Episode #1110") in 2007; and was previously nominated for The Amazing Race, "Episode 1303" in 2008, "Episode #102" in 2006, and for "Episode #805" in 2005.

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials are:

CASEY CHILDSAll My Children, "Bianca and Reese Get Married"(ABC)

Mr. Childs' Directorial Team:

Associate Directors: Barbara M. Simmons, Anthony Pascarelli

Stage Managers: Penny Bergman, Rusty Swope, Fritz Brekeller

Production Associates: Jennifer Minda, Marika Brancato

This is Mr. Childs' fourth DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category for All My Children "Episode #9669" in 2007, "Episode #9297" in 2006 and "Episode #7919" in 2000.

This is Mr. Goutman's fourth DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category for As the World Turns "Episode #12971" in 2007 "Episode #12,166" in 2004, and "Episode #10,446" in 1997.

DEAN LAMONTThe Young and the Restless, "Billy's New Year's Eve Revelation"(CBS)

This is Mr. Ludel's sixth DGA Award nomination. He won DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials for General Hospital "Episode #9801" in 2001 and "Episode #8248" in 1995; and was previsously nominated for General Hospital "Luke in Purgatory" in 2008, "Episode #11,177" in 2006 and for "Episode #7922" in 1994.

SALLY McDONALDThe Young and the Restless, "Six Minutes and Counting"(CBS)

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials are:

JOAQUIN BACA-ASAY(Park Pictures)

Breathe, CSX - Mullen

First Assistant Director: David M. Backus

Second Assistant Director: Jermaine Sumra

Second Second Assistant Director: John Scott Wilson

Switch, Volvo - Arnold

First Assistant Director: John F. Lowe

Doors, Bank of America - BBDO

First Assistant Director: David M. Backus

Second Assistant Directors: Jermaine Sumra, Andrew S. Payer

Second Second Assistant Director: Mark W. Kaufman

See What You Love, Lenscrafters - Cutwater

First Assistant Directors: Howell Caldwell, David M. Backus

Second Assistant Directors: Ben C. Randolph, Jermaine Sumra

This is Mr. Baca-Asay's first DGA Award nomination.

GARTH DAVIS(Anonymous Content)

Shadow Puppets, U.S. Cellular - Publicis & Hal Riney

This is Mr. Davis' first DGA Award nomination.

CRAIG GILLESPIE(MJZ UK)

David Abernathy, Cars.com - DDB Chicago

Unit Production Manager: Deborah L. Tietjen

First Assistant Director: Christian Van Fleet

Second Assistant Director: Tim P. Lovekin

Second Second Assistant Director: Erik S. Marshall

Slide, Guinness - BBDO

Unit Production Manager: Deborah L. Tietjen

First Assistant Director: Christian Van Fleet

Second Assistant Director: Ethan Ross

Second Second Assistant Director: Ken C. Wu

Dusty, Orbit - Energy BBDO

Unit Production Manager: Deborah L. Tietjen

This is Mr. Gillespie's fourth DGA Award nomination. He previously won the DGA Commercial Award for Surprise Dinner (Ameriquest), Mini-Mart (Ameriquest), People of Pain (Altoids), and Fable of the Fruit Bat (Altoids) in 2005; and was nominated in this category in 2002 and in 2001.

The Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's Programs are:

MARTHA COOLIDGEAn American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong(HBO)

Ms. Coolidge's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Albert T. Dickerson III

First Assistant Director: Pamela S. Kuri

Second Assistant Directors: Catherine M. McDonald, Jill Maxcy

Second Second Assistant Director: Simone Farber

This is Ms. Coolidge's third DGA Award nomination. She was previously nominated in the Movies for Television/Mini-Series category for If These Walls Could Talk II: 1972 in 2000, and for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge in 1999.

ALLISON LIDDI-BROWNPrincess Protection Program(Disney Channel)

Ms. Liddi-Brown's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Carlos Anibal Vázquez

First Assistant Director: José Gilberto Molinari-Rosaly

Second Assistant Director: Colleen Comer

This is Ms. Liddi-Brown's first DGA Award nomination.

FRED SAVAGEZeke & Luther, "Pilot"
(Disney XD)

Mr. Savage's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Greg Hampson

First Assistant Director: Eddie Ziv

Second Assistant Director: Courtney Rowe

Second Second Assistant Director: Susie Balaban

This is Mr. Savage's third DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category for Wizards of Waverly Place - "The Crazy 10 Minute Sale" in 2007, and for Phil of the Future "Not So Great Great Great Grandpa" in 2006.

AMY SCHATZHard Times For An American Girl: The Great Depression(HBO)

This is Ms. Schatz's fifth DGA Award nomination. She won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's Programs in 2008 for Classical Baby (I'm Grown Up Now) "The Poetry Show", in 2001 for 'Twas the Night, and in 1999 for Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepy Time Tales. She was also nominated in this category for Through A Child's Eyes: September 11, 2001 in 2002.

ANDY WOLKLincoln Heights, "Time To Let Go"
(ABC Family)

Mr. Wolk's Directorial Team:

Unit Production Manager: Paul Cajero

First Assistant Director: Brenda Kalosh

Second Assistant Director: Courtney Franklin

Second Second Assistant Director: Staci Lamkin

This is Mr. Wolk's second DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this same category for Lincoln Heights ("That Feeling That We Have") in 2007.